Mafia Island off the southern coast of Tanzania is home to a resident population of whale sharks. For all wildlife enthusiasts our Mafia Island & Whale Shark Cruise is one you do not want to miss!!

Every year from September until March, whale sharks congregate to feed in the narrow channel between Mafia Island and main land Tanzania where it is possible to swim with the whale sharks.

Our responsible whale shark encounters are operated in conjunction with the Mafia Island Whale Shark Conservation Society, who have been associated with WWF Tanzania-funded whale shark research since 2007 and continue to support whale shark research and conservation at Mafia.

We will spend 8 days cruising and exploring the Mafia Archipelago region, with 3 half days spent (can be more or less days depending on guests interests) dedicated to Whale Shark encounters. Each day of whale shark encounters the yacht will anchor off the beach, close to the research base where you will join the guides and research team. Transfers, breakfast, safety and whale shark briefing, permits, snorkelling gear and refreshments are all included.

We will spend the remainder of the days cruising and exploring the rest of the Mafia Archipelago region and its surrounding islands. Mafia Island itself remains undeveloped and largely unknown and is surrounded by a barrier reef teeming with marine life.
Almost half the coastline of Mafia, some 822km², has been gazetted a marine park.

While Mafia makes an ideal holiday for people interested in nature and marine & outdoor activities, its other big attraction for many visitors is that it remains locked in a time warp of the early 20th Century and there are a range of different activities available from scuba diving to cultural and history tours, not to mention all the beaches and marine activities you can enjoy on board the yacht too.

Our Whale Shark Charters operate from 01OCT to 28FEB each year.

Itinerary in brief

Min 4 Pax per charter

This is just a guide line itinerary as we are able to be flexible to match the guests wishes as close as possible.

Day 1 Fly from Dar es Salaam to Mafia and board your yacht.

Day 2 Half Day Whale Shark Encounter. Remainder of the day spent relaxing and enjoying the island and yacht.

Day 3 Half Day Whale Shark Encounter. Remainder of the day spent relaxing and enjoying the island and yacht.

Day 4 Half Day Whale Shark Encounter. Remainder of the day spent relaxing and enjoying the island and yacht.

Day 5 Mafia Archipelago exploration and cruise

Day 6 Mafia Archipelago exploration and cruise

Day 7 Mafia Archipelago exploration and cruise

Day 8 Return To Dar Es Salaama

This itinerary can be ammended in anyway to suite the wishes of our guests. As an example, guests could fly out of Mafia rather than returning to Dar es Salaam by yacht, or we can continue south through the Songa Islands and end the cruise at Kilwa instead.
All and any options are available, just ask!

Inclusions

Light Aircraft flight Dar es Salaam to Mafia

Full use of main motor yacht

3 Half day Whale Shark encounter cruises 0630 - midday approx

Cabins for up to 6 guests (double or split with dividing board to make 2 single)
All linen and bathroom towels (please bring your own beach towels)

Skipper and crew

Full board accommodation - Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Teas, coffees, local soft drinks, snacks and picnics

All onboard equipment and facilities at no extra cost - activities are FREE

Trolling Fishing(you are welcome to bring any extra gear you want to) Lost gear will be charged for!